Man Utd savaged for signing ‘selfish’ Ronaldo over superior target; Rangnick call to prompt early exit

Man Utd blundered when signing Cristiano Ronaldo rather than Erling Haaland, and the future of Ralf Rangnick could prompt an early exit for the Portuguese, claims Paul Ince.

Ronaldo was treated to a hero’s reception upon returning to Old Trafford last summer. The Portuguese icon kicked off his second stint at Man Utd in fine style, though both his and the club’s form quickly took a dive.

United were ruthlessly exposed under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, leading to the Norwegian’s sack. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has now gone five league matches without scoring and his goals ratio in that competition is well below one in two (8 in 20).

In contrast, long-time target Erling Haaland continues to blaze a trail in Germany. The 21-year-old has plundered 16 goals in 14 Bundesliga matches this term.

Haaland is expected to become the subject of a fierce transfer battle in the summer. His reported release clause of around £63m is sure to generate widespread interest.

United had thought to be in a strong position to land the Norwegian in the past. However, ESPN recently revealed the club’s turmoil has removed them from the equation.

Now, speaking to the Sun, former United midfielder Paul Ince has taken aim at the directionless club.

“When Ole first took the helm the project was about going young but all of a sudden they were bringing in 37-year-olds,” said the two-time Premier League winner.

“You think, ‘why didn’t you just go and get Haaland?’ You didn’t need Ronaldo, but it’s just the fact that everyone thought he was going to Man City.

“Everyone thought it was great when he first came and if it wasn’t for Ronaldo, they wouldn’t still be in the Champions League.

“People were saying he would be great for the club, the players and